For the Townsman
Cranbrook anglers will be able to enjoy fishing more easily and more often thanks to the installation of a new fishing dock at Jimsmith Lake.
Now everyone - from avid anglers who wish to fit in a quick hour of fishing to new anglers who don't have access to a boat — will be able to enjoy fishing on the lake.
Located adjacent to the day use area in Jimsmith Lake Provincial Park, dock installation coincides with fall fishing season when fish are more catchable from a dock as trout move on to the shoals to feed. The Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC annually stocks Jimsmith Lake with 2,000 catchable size rainbow trout.
"Adding dock access to Jimsmith Lake is an exciting step for us in removing barriers for people wishing to enjoy the angling experience," said Dana Atagi, vice-president, Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC.
"A dock allows people to be catching fish in less time and with less expense and we hope more people will give it a try."
As of April 1, 2015, under a new agreement with the provincial government, the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC receives 100 per cent of fishing licence revenue to invest in infrastructure and services to support freshwater fishing in BC. With the increased revenue, the Society is investing in additional research and infrastructure projects across the province, including new docks to make access to angling easier. Easier access to popular fishing spots and stocked lakes supports the Society's goal to reduce barriers to the sport of angling, resulting in greater angler participation.
The Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC is working with partners to install docks near urban centres and in regional and provincial parks throughout the Province. Improving access to popular angling lakes leaves a legacy for current and future anglers and dovetails with the Society stocking program and Rod Loan program.
The Jimsmith Lake dock is a result of a partnership between BC Government, Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC and anglers whose fishing licence fees contribute to the dock program. BC Parks funded work on the access trail. This year, docks have been installed in nine communities throughout BC where dock fishing was previously unavailable or shore fishing was poor. Docks have been placed over shoals or drop-off areas to maximize angler success.
The Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC was created in 2003 as a private, not-for-profit organization, funded mainly through freshwater fishing licence revenues. In partnership with the Province, the Society annually stocks eight million trout, char and kokanee salmon in 800 B.C. lakes. It also manages special hatchery programs for endangered species including white sturgeon, conducts fisheries research, education and conservation programs and works to make angling more accessible for all. Details about the Society programs can be found at www.gofishbc.com.